Best Campgrounds near Eastford, CT
Eastford, Connecticut features a range of developed campgrounds clustered along the Natchaug River valley. Several family-friendly options dot the region including Charlie Brown Campground, known for its riverside sites and weekend activities. Peppertree Camping and Nickerson Park provide alternative locations on the same waterway. The area campgrounds accommodate a mix of tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals, with some featuring yurt options. Brialee Family Campground, located approximately 5 miles southwest in Ashford, offers additional amenities including swimming areas and planned recreational activities. Most campgrounds in this rural Connecticut region maintain seasonal operations, typically opening mid-April and closing in mid-October.
The camping season in northeastern Connecticut runs primarily from April through October, with most facilities closing for winter. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays and holiday periods. Gray water disposal facilities are common, though full sewer hookups vary by location. One camper noted, "Looking forward to returning. It's a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing." Fire regulations and noise restrictions are standard across most properties, with quiet hours typically enforced after 11 PM. Cell service can be spotty throughout the area, particularly in lower-lying river valleys. Walmart and other supply stores are approximately 10-15 minutes from most campgrounds, making resupply straightforward.
The Natchaug River represents a significant draw for campers in the Eastford area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct riverside access. Summer activities frequently center around water recreation, with several reviews mentioning tubing opportunities and fishing access. A recent review highlighted that "kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk back through the camp to start over again." Family-oriented programming is common at the larger established campgrounds, with scheduled activities like arts and crafts, tractor rides, and organized games. The camping community appears particularly welcoming to new campers, with multiple reviews mentioning helpful staff and fellow campers assisting first-time RV users. Campground layouts typically feature a mix of open field sites and more secluded wooded locations, with riverside spots commanding premium rates and earlier booking windows.
